Mark Pearce has told the BBC he believes he was targeted because of his job as a press photographer.

 

NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet described the incident as a worrying development at a time of heightened tensions. She said: "The targeting of a journalist in this way is totally unacceptable and we are deeply concerned by this attempt to intimidate journalists.”

 

NUJ president Barry McCall and National Executive members Eamon McCann and Bob Miller have also condemned the attack and sent support to Mark and his family.

 

Barry McCall said: "Coming after death threats against elected representatives this is a direct threat to those who seek to report the news in Northern Ireland and must be condemned unequivocally. It is a reminder to journalists and media organisations that we have to be extra vigilant.”

 

In a joint statement NUJ National Executive members Eamonn McCann and Bob Miller said: “This is an appalling and unwarranted attack on a working journalist and his family.

 

“The pipe bomb incident is an attack on the freedom of the press in Northern Ireland and should be condemned by all those who want a peaceful and just society.

 

“The NUJ calls for those responsible to end this campaign of violence and stop threats to journalists immediately.”

 

The NI Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions adds its condemnation of this attack and expresses its concern and solidarity to Mark Pearce’s family.

 

Peter Bunting, Assistant General Secretary of the ICTU added: “The planting of a pipe bomb at the family home of photojournalist Mark Pearce comes in the wake of other attacks made upon journalists in recent months, from death threats to physical assaults. At times of tensions on the streets, this society requires a free press to keep the citizenry informed, but it also needs journalists who are able to do their job without fearing for their safety, or the safety of their families.”

 

 

 

 

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